How To Get Help

How To Get Help in a Mental Health Crisis

For immediate help in a life-threatening emergency:
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you call 911, tell the operator there is a mental health emergency and explain the nature of the emergency.
Ask the operator to send a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer. They are specially trained to assist someone experiencing a mental health emergency.

If you're in crisis, distress or struggling, or just need someone to talk to:
Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support from crisis counselors.
Call or text 988
Online chat 988lifeline.org
Learn more about the 988 Lifeline

Other National Crisis Hotlines
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Teen Crisis Hotline: 800-448-3000
National US Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
The Trevor Project: Call 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678. (Supports LGBTQ young people in crisis.)

Get in touch with a mental health professional:
If the person in crisis is already receiving mental health treatment, call the psychiatrist, clinic nurse, therapist, case manager or family physician that is familiar with the person’s history. They can help assess the situation and offer guidance.

How To Interact With Someone In Crisis

A person experiencing a mental health crisis can’t always clearly communicate their thoughts, feelings or needs. They also may find it difficult to understand what others are saying. Use these techniques to help you connect with the person in distress:

Ask how you can help. Keep your voice calm.
Listen patiently to the person.
Express support and concern.
Do not make judgmental comments. Don’t argue or try to reason with the person.

Offer options instead of trying to take control.
Don't overreact. Move slowly and keep stimulation level low.
Avoid touching the person unless you ask permission.
Gently announce actions before initiating them.
Give them space, don’t make them feel trapped.

Learn how to help someone having thoughts of suicide.

How to Get Help If You're Concerned About Your Mental Health

If you have concerns about your mental health, or if you have symptoms that are affecting your everyday life, don't ignore it. Reach out and get help.
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If you're in crisis, distress or struggling, or just need someone to talk to:
Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 support from crisis counselors.
Call or text 988
Online chat 988lifeline.org
Learn more about the 988 Lifeline

For non-emergency information on mental health resources and support in Northeast Florida:
Contact the NAMI Jacksonville Helpline.
Call 904-323-4723 or email Helpline@namijax.org‍
Please note: The NAMI Jax Helpline is not a crisis hotline. It is run by trained volunteers, who will respond to you within 24-48 hours. If you don't receive a response within 48 hours, please resend your email.

Contact your primary care provider:
Talk to your health care provider about your symptoms. They may give you a diagnosis, or refer you to a mental health professional who can help.

Talk to someone you trust:
While they may not be able to solve your problem, just talking with someone who is supportive and empathetic can offer some relief.

Asking For Help Can Be Hard

SAMHSA.org offers tips for:‍

Thinking about what you need.
Deciding who to talk to.
Choosing the right time and place.
How to talk about it.

See samhsa's tips on
how to Ask for help

Mental Health Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They provide free, 24/7 support from trained crisis counselors. Click here to see more options for getting help.

NAMI Jax Support Groups
NAMI Jacksonville's free support groups are safe places to share your experiences with others who understand.

NAMI Jax Educational Classes and Programs
NAMI Jacksonville offers free classes, skills training, and presentations for individuals, families and caregivers, youth and young adults, and community organizations.

How To Be Prepared for a Mental Health Crisis
Learn about mental health emergencies, causes and warning signs, and what to do to be prepared for one.

NAMI's Navigating a Mental Health Crisis Guide
This PDF provides important, potentially life-saving information for those who live with mental health conditions and their families, caregivers and friends.

NAMI Jacksonville Resource Directory
This PDF contains a comprehensive listing of support services, resources and programs available in the Northeast Florida area.

NAMI Jacksonville Helpline
For non-emergency guidance on mental health and substance use resources and support in Northeast Florida, call the NAMI Jax Helpline at 904-323-4723 or email helpline@namijax.org.‍

How to Help Someone Having Thoughts of Suicide
Find tips on how to talk to someone having thoughts of suicide, and action steps you can take to help them.

Are You Concerned About Your Mental Health?If you think you're experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, don't ignore it. Learn where and how to reach out for help.

In crisis? Call or text 988. For non-emergency guidance, contact the NAMI Jacksonville Helpline: 904-323-4723 or email Helpline@namijax.org

The NAMI Jacksonville Mission is to support and improve the quality of life for family members and those living with mental illnesses and co-occurring substance abuse through compassion, education, and advocacy.

Contact Us
NAMI Jacksonville Florida
40 E. Adams St., Ste. LL05
Jacksonville, FL 32202

Office: 904-724-7782
Email: admin@namijax.org